Manila: As the country celebrates Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) on Tuesday encouraged Filipino men to consult their doctors for prostate cancer screening. In a news release, PhilHealth highlighted its Z benefit package, which offers PHP100,000 for low to intermediate treatment of prostate cancer.

According to Philippines News Agency, the benefit package is available to men aged 70 and below at PhilHealth-accredited hospitals and health facilities. However, individuals are advised to contact the Z benefits coordinator at their chosen contracted health facility for a pre-authorization check before undergoing surgery.

Prostate Cancer Awareness Month aims to educate the public about the disease, focusing on risk factors and the importance of early detection and screening. The Department of Health notes that prostate cancer ranks fifth among the most common cancers in the country and is the third most common cancer type among men, following lung and colorectal cancers.

Approximately 19 out of every 100,000 men nationwide are diagnosed with prostate cancer, resulting in a life expectancy that is six years shorter compared to women. Health experts indicate that while the causes of prostate cancer are largely unknown, factors such as old age, obesity, race, and family history can increase the risk for men.